James Threalkill

Electrified Jazz

2016

Nashville native James Threalkill is a painter whose artwork celebrates a life well-lived. The vibrant palette, gamut of texture, and subtle abstraction exhibited in his paintings exude a feeling of vigor, entice a sense of spontaneity, and explore resonance within a still image. His style of work is best described as Expressive Realism, an area of painting that teases the tension between figurative and nonrepresentational art. Using people as his primary subject matter, Threalkill creates a connection between viewer and artwork that often leaves the viewer feeling as if they've witnessed a raw and intimate moment in someone else's life. His work also demonstrates harmony with the subjects he frequently depicts: jazz musicians entranced in moments of lyrical spontaneity. Threalkill's endeavors have received national recognition. He collaborated with artist Michael McBride and Metro Nashville school teachers to develop the groundbreaking children's book series, Visions: African American Experiences. The book was later featured on the television program Sesame Street. Threalkill's artwork has also been featured in international films and television series, including Snow Dogs with Cuba Gooding, Jr. and James Coburn, The Jamie Foxx Show, and Living Single. Threalkill continues to reside in Nashville.